Smuggling

Smuggling is a common crime across Helerin, employed to avoid taxation or to move stolen or illicit goods.

Smuggling groups

Smugglers typically operate in small groups, albeit often with a wider surrounding network of go-betweens, lookouts, and others.
Larger criminal organisations exist (particularly in Gilrimmon and the southern towns of Forbin), and for these, smuggling is often just one of a range of illicit activities undertaken.
See also: Criminal organisations

Smuggling tactics

Smugglers employ a variety of methods to avoid paying taxes:

• Concealment - goods are hidden in secret compartments, beneath other items, or disguised to appear as something else.
• Transport in secret - goods are transported via secret routes or at night to avoid detection.
• Corruption - officials are bribed or threatened to turn a blind eye to smuggled goods.

Anti-smuggling measures

The states of Helerin deploy a range of strategies to detect and prevent smuggling operations:

• Patrols and inspections - naval patrols and searches by local forces are common in known smuggling hotspots.
• Surveillance - spies, informants, and magic means are deployed to gather information and detect hidden goods.
• Harsh penalties - smugglers are generally imprisoned (and occasionally executed).